While there have been important advances in women’s leadership in politics, as of November 1 2017, women make up only 7.2% of Heads of State and 6.2% Heads of Government. Data on women representatives in local government, including as mayors, heads of villages and towns, is not well collected and analyzed. The adoption of an SDG indicator on women’s representation in local government is a great step forward in tracking progress on gender balance, allowing for the systematic collection and analysis of data on women in local government. Women’s access to and continued role in leadership positions is challenged by a range of barriers, including discriminatory laws and practices, as well as social norms that prescribe traditional roles and attitudes towards women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles. Proactive gender-equality policies within political parties and local government structures, including quotas and special temporary measures, gender-sensitive approaches to electoral processes, support networks, mentoring, training, and engagement of male champions, can all help promote women’s role in political leadership.
Women were at the forefront of the July 2024 uprising, but in the subsequently formed political structures, insecurity and social backlash gradually pushed them aside.
Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism explores the connections between the current wave of democratic backsliding and the stalling of women’s political leadership after decades of steady gains.
Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism explores the connections between the current wave of democratic backsliding and the stalling of women’s political leadership after decades of steady gains.
The feminist peace ideology then replaces violence with empowering women through raising women’s awareness.
The women, peace, and Security (WPS) agenda is an essential framework that recognises the indispensable role of women in achieving sustainable peace and security.
Women in the Autonomous Territorial Unit (ATU) of Gagauzia already play pivotal roles in sustaining dialogue, strengthening community resilience, and preventing conflict.
Speaking at the event focused on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda on Aug. 3, Naw K’nyaw Paw, chairwoman of the Karen Women’s Organisation (KWO), emphasized that women have become the primary architects of local administration and humanitarian response under military rule.
Democracy cannot be measured solely by the right to vote. It must also be measured by who participates in decision-making, who has access to spaces of power, and what obstacles continue to prevent certain voices from being heard.
Advancing women’s political participation needs to go beyond legal and policy reforms.
Advancing women’s political participation needs to go beyond legal and policy reforms.